FAQs
Who is the Justice Initiative for?
What is the selection process like? What type of community is the Justice Initiative trying to build?
The application process is meant for us to learn something more about you, the applicants, so as to ensure that the commitment we make to each other over the course of the year will be meaningful and rewarding. Applicants are not being evaluated on their resumes, grades, or “accomplishments.” Rather, we are trying to build a community that is committed to justice.
Is the Justice Initiative open to first-year law students?
Yes! The Justice Initiative is open to all law students and lawyers.
Is the Justice Initiative only for JD students, or can LLM/MSL students participate as well?
All law students and lawyers can participate in the Justice Initiative.
Is the Justice Initiative only for law students, or can legal practitioners and law faculty join?
Lawyers, law professors, and people working “in the law” broadly defined are all welcome and encouraged to join the Justice Initiative. Watch the information session for lawyers and law professors here. Lawyers can register for the Justice Initiative here.
Is the Justice Initiative open to law students/practitioners/faculty/people outside of the United States?
The Justice Initiative is primarily intended for participants from within the United States so as to ensure a shared familiarity with laws, legal educational traditions, and systemic injustices. Nonetheless, law students and lawyers from outside of the U.S. who are eager to participate and willing to commit to the Justice Initiative should apply.
I missed the introductory student webinar – where can I find a recording?
You can watch the informational webinar for students here! And the informational webinar for lawyers and law professors is here.
How does the Justice Initiative fit into my university?
Will students get academic credit for their involvement with the Justice Initiative?
No. The Justice Initiative is not a course. Rather, the primary focus will be on creating a community, learning from students, faculty, and practitioners alike, and developing a lasting movement for justice. Faculty members of individual law schools interested in exploring the possibility of offering a for-credit reading group or seminar at their law school are encouraged to reach out to us at 2020justiceinitiative@gmail.com. The Justice Initiative will likely lead to opportunities for students to fulfill some pro bono requirements at some law schools or to make connections that could lead to possible external or independent clinics.
I am in the process of starting/expanding an aligned space on my campus. Is there any way for us to connect?
Absolutely! Be sure to fill out an application for the Justice Initiative (and encourage any groupmates of yours to do the same), as a central component of this community will be the creation of a cross-campus and country-wide network of like-minded law students dedicated to structural transformation. If you have more specific questions, email us at 2020justiceinitiative@gmail.com.
How do I get started with the Justice Initiative?
Students, to get started, should just apply! Applications are open until 12:00 p.m ET. on October 1, but because we are working on a rolling, limited basis, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
Lawyers and law school professors can register for the Justice Initiative here.
For students, is there an intermediate participation option? What do I do if I can’t make every session?
We believe that one of the most meaningful features of the Justice Initiative will be the time commitment that ensures its participants truly learn, grow, and bond together. Accordingly, for students, there will be no middle participation option. That being said, please communicate potential conflicts to us, as our Saturday Session schedule will take into account our members’ availability.
Other Questions
Will the Justice Initiative continue next year?
The Justice Initiative is a pilot program. Depending upon the success of the pilot, we hope the Justice Initiative will continue and become a mainstay of legal education and the legal landscape.
I have a disability and require certain accommodations. Will the Justice Initiative work with me to make sure the programming is accessible?
Yes. The Justice Initiative is an inclusive community, and we welcome participants of all
identities and backgrounds. If you would like specific accommodations or would like to talk through what kinds of accommodations might be necessary based on our programming and materials, we are here to support you. Please email 2020JusticeInitiative@gmail.com or justice@law.harvard.edu for more information.